Modern Productions

[Mozart]

I don't understand how modern productions are allowed to exists. 99% of them are complete trash! Does anyone enjoy them here and why? I really mean why!? Why do singers agree to being in them?

[marvinbrown]

I don't understand how modern productions are allowed to exists. 99% of them are complete trash! Does anyone enjoy them here and why? I really mean why!? Why do singers agree to being in them?

  I agree with you 100%!  Opera is a visual artform as well as a musical one.  At first I used to believe that it was a budget issue but now I am convinced that it is more about ego than anything else.  Opera directors strive to be different and original and in the process they destroy the very essence of an opera.  Take for example this Ring Cycle that played on the performance channel here in the UK a few weeks ago:

 

  This is probably the worst modern adaptation of the Ring that I have come across.  The attire was completely inappropriate, the sort of clothing you would find in your generic wardrobe.  The set design was even worst, modern, hardly any character whatsoever.  It was very difficult for me to reconcile what I was watching with the music.  I do not know what the opera director thought he was doing here but this modern adaptation ruined the dramatic effect of Wagner music for me. A must miss indeed!

  As for the singers I believe they need to earn a living.  They go where the money is.  If the trend and the funding is geared towards modern adaptations the singers have to live with it!  Unless of course you are Placido Domingo and have the luxury to choose which productions you want to be in.   
 
  marvin

[uffeviking]

Marvin, let me point out one important fact about this certain Ring cycle at the Stuttgart Opera House: Each segment was directed by a different director, not one doing all of them!

No, it certainly is not one of my favourites; I had it, I watched it and I sold it. The conducting by Zagrosek was very good and DeVol a super Brünnhilde. Why did she agree to appear in this Ring? Because when she started her career of opera singer, her dream was to be a Brünnhilde. She was offered the role, her dream was fulfilled! 

[uffeviking]

I don't understand how modern productions are allowed to exists. 99% of them are complete trash!

And how many complete Der Ring des Nibelungen have you seen, life or on video - excluding uTube blurbs - ? 

[Mozart]

And how many complete Der Ring des Nibelungen have you seen, life or on video - excluding uTube blurbs - ? 

The only wagner Ive listened to was on bugs bunny.

[uffeviking]

99% of them are complete trash!

The only wagner Ive listened to was on bugs bunny.

In that case I deny you the right to pass judgement on Richard Wagner and/or Der Ring des Nibelungen You are not qualified. 

[Mozart]

The only wagner Ive listened to was on bugs bunny.

In that case I deny you the right to pass judgement on Richard Wagner and/or Der Ring des Nibelungen You are not qualified. 

When did I do that exactly?  I never talked about Richard Wagner or Der Ring.

[Wanderer]

The ultimate modern production would be abstract (and possibly absurd) enough to lend itself to the staging of each and every opera ever written. This would be the final cue for audiences to switch to concert performances altogether.

[(poco) Sforzando]

When did I do that exactly?  I never talked about Richard Wagner or Der Ring.

Poor Mozart! you must realize that your true Wagnerian has absolutely no sense of humor. That is why they find Die Meistersinger funny.

[bricon]

I don't understand how modern productions are allowed to exists. 99% of them are complete trash! Does anyone enjoy them here and why? I really mean why!? Why do singers agree to being in them?

What do you mean by "modern productions"?

Is a Zeffirelli (Met) extravaganza your idea of a "traditional" production?

Do you think that we should have (theatrically) HIP opera performances?

[head-case]

I certain level of liberties with the staging doesn't bother me.  When the entire scenario of the opera is changed (as it was in a few DVD productions I've seen) they loose me.